Physical Setting

Area Occupied: 507.8 acres (205.5 hectares)
Stand Size:

Medium to large patches running along slopes in a wide band

Landscape Position:

Steep, sheltered, rocky, middle to lower slopes, typically slightly concave (dish-shaped) and facing north, northwest, or east

Soils:

Acidic soils (but containing moderate levels of plant nutrients); often thin due to steep slopes

Geology:

Rocky outcrops or boulderfields; underlying bedrock geology is Weverton Formation (quartzite), Harpers Formation (metasilstone and sandstone), or Tomstown Formation (dolomite and limestone)

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A non-south-facing slope.
Photographer: Milo Pyne
Because these slopes are steep and their surface is sometimes quite rocky, you won’t find consistently lush growth or an extremely diverse collection of plants in this community. On the other hand, certain aspects of the physical setting favor plant growth. For one, the slopes face away from the south, offering shelter from the hottest summer sun. (Ecobit: How Topography Creates Microclimates) Also, the slopes tend to be slightly dish-shaped (concave), allowing soil to accumulate in places. (Ecobit: Soil Processes: Creating a Place to Take Root) There, you can find patches of interesting plant species.